Pigment: meaning, definitions and examples

Use in a scientific or artistic context when referring to substances that provide color to other materials, such as in paints or biological tissues.

• The painter mixed different pigments to get the perfect shade of green.
• Melanin is the pigment responsible for the color of human skin.

Often associated with the process of adding color to materials, especially fabrics or hair, and can imply a more temporary or artificial addition of color.

• She decided to dye her hair blue for the summer.
• The workshop showed us how to dye fabrics using natural ingredients.

Commonly used in industrial or commercial contexts to describe substances that add color to products such as food, cosmetics, or textiles.

• This brand of pasta uses natural colorants to achieve its vibrant color.
• The company switched to synthetic colorants for their fabric dyes.

Artistic or visual context, referring to the specific shade or tone of color perceived by the eye, often used to describe subtle variations or aesthetics.

• The sunset cast a beautiful orange hue over the landscape.
• Artists must have a keen eye for different hues to create compelling compositions.

Typically used in scientific, artistic, or manufacturing contexts to describe substances that impart color to other materials.

• The artist mixed different pigments to achieve the perfect color for his painting.
• This natural pigment is extracted from plant sources.

Commonly used in everyday language to refer to the process or product of adding color, particularly in food, cosmetics, or art.

• Food coloring was added to the cake batter to give it a vibrant look.
• The coloring book kept the children entertained for hours.

Often used in the field of color theory or design to describe the purity or intensity of a color.

• The chroma of the red is very vivid, making it stand out in the design.
• Artists must consider the chroma to achieve the desired effect in their work.

Used to describe a variation of a color, often by adding black or another dark hue, and commonly in everyday conversation or artistic settings.

• She chose a lighter shade of blue for the bedroom walls.
• Artists often play with different shades to create depth in their paintings.